What is the annual recycled steel target for this solar furnace?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Swiss company aims to produce 1,000 tonnes of recycled steel annually using solar energy.

A Swiss company has inaugurated two solar furnaces in La Chaux-de-Fonds, a city renowned for its watchmaking industry. These furnaces are designed to melt and recycle steel offcuts from local watchmaking and medical instrument manufacturers by harnessing concentrated solar rays. The ultimate objective is to process production waste into ingots and reintroduce them into the regional supply chain.
Solar Furnaces Reach High Temperatures for Recycling

The newly inaugurated solar furnaces are capable of reaching temperatures approaching 2,000 degrees Celsius. This high heat is crucial for melting the steel offcuts effectively. The company, Panatere, which specialises in metal transformation and recycling, aims to achieve an annual production of 1,000 tonnes of recycled steel using this solar-powered technology.
Innovative Technology Utilises Concentrated Solar Rays

The prototype technology involves a 140-square-metre heliostat equipped with movable mirrors and a 10-metre diameter dish. This system focuses the sun's rays onto a crucible, where the metals are melted. Developing these prototypes required overcoming challenges such as mirror movement due to wind, dust, and extreme temperature variations.
Economic Viability Driven by Metal Scarcity and Price Hikes

The company's chief executive, Raphael Broye, highlighted the emerging economic model for such projects. He noted that soaring metal prices and scarcity are making these recycling initiatives profitable, even with high Swiss wages. This situation is encouraging manufacturers to recognise the value of their production waste, thereby restoring the prestige of short supply chains.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What is the annual recycled steel target for this solar furnace?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends